Lipid Composition of Livers from Laying Hens

The changes in the quantity and composition of the lipid present in the liver during an egg production period of 36 weeks are reported. Total lipid concentration increased due to an increase in triglycerides. There was a significant change in the relative distribution of several fatty acids during the first 4 weeks: palmitate and stearate decreased, 29 and 38%, respectively; while oleate and linoleate increased, 46 and 84% respectively. With the exception of linoleate, which increased, the relative concentration of the fatty acids in the triglyceride fraction remained constant during the remainder of the laying period. Phospholipid content was somewhat variable with age, but made no major contribution to the increase in total lipid concentration. There were no significant differences in the percentage of cholesterol or cholesteryl ester in the dry liver relative to age or lipid concentration.